The Lord is my Shepherd, I have all I need
She makes me lie down in green meadows
Beside the still waters, She will lead

She restores my soul, She rights my wrongs
She leads me in a path of good things
And fills my heart with songs

Even though I walk, through a dark and dreary land
There is nothing that can shake me
She has said She won’t forsake me; I’m in her hand

She sets a table before me, in the presence of my foes
She anoints my head with oil
And my cup overflows

Surely, surely goodness and kindness will follow me all the days of my life
And I will live in her house
Forever, forever and ever

Glory be to our Mother, and Daughter, and to the Holy of Holies
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be
World, without end Amen

Chalice Lighting and Covenant

Check-In and Sharing

Topic:

Do you pray? Why or why not?
If you do, what form(s) does it take? Body/movement? Silence? Chant?
Is prayer different from meditation for you? Why or why not?
What images and/or feelings does the word “prayer” bring up for you? Are they comfortable or uncomfortable?

Closing Check-Out and Chalice Extinguishing

Closing Words: Shantideva, “A Bodhisattva’s Prayer”

May I be a protector to those without protection,
a leader for those who journey,
and a boat, a bridge, a passage
for those desiring future shore.
May the pain of every living creature
be completely cleared away.
May I be the doctor and the medicine
and may I be the nurse
for all sick beings in the world
until everyone is healed.
Just like space
and the great elements such as earth,
may I always support the life
of all the boundless creatures.
And until they pass away from pain
may I also be the source of life
for all the realms of varied beings
that reach unto the ends of space.